DOB Equity, a family-backed impact investment firm operating in East Africa, has announced a strategic shift in its investment approach, marked by its recent backing of Spouts International, a Ugandan company specializing in ceramic water filters. This move is spearheaded by the firm’s new CEO, Karen Serem Waithaka, who is focusing on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water sanitation.
Spouts International, founded in 2014 by Kathy Ku and John Kye, produces Purifaaya-branded ceramic water filters. These filters provide a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods of boiling water, significantly reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal. This not only addresses critical environmental issues such as indoor air pollution, deforestation, and carbon emissions but also promotes public health. To date, Spouts has distributed nearly 300,000 units, positively impacting an estimated two million lives and cutting over 1.5 million tons of carbon emissions, while generating significant carbon credit revenues.
The investment in Spouts marks a milestone for DOB Equity, which is undergoing a strategic shift under the leadership of CEO Karen Serem Waithaka, appointed in 2024. Waithaka’s leadership is centered on addressing East Africa’s infrastructure and climate challenges through targeted investments in sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water sanitation services.
We are committed to providing patient capital to businesses that not only grow sustainably but also address the region’s pressing needs.
Karen Serem Waithaka
This strategic shift follows a period of introspection for DOB Equity. Previously led by Co-CEOs Saskia van der Mast and Hayo Afman, the firm had adopted a diversified investment approach, backing over 30 companies across various sectors. However, setbacks with logistics startup Sendy and e-commerce platform Copia highlighted the risks inherent in emerging market investments, prompting a reevaluation of its portfolio strategy.
With less than 25% of East Africa’s population having access to reliable safe drinking water, the investment in Spouts aligns with DOB Equity’s ‘Water’ pillar. Beyond providing clean water, Spouts contributes to environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
This investment allows us to scale our production and distribution networks, reaching even more communities with sustainable water solutions.
Daniel Yin, CEO of Spouts
DOB Equity’s realignment reflects a broader trend among impact investors prioritizing solutions to Africa’s most critical challenges. As the firm continues to implement its revised strategy, its progress will be closely watched by stakeholders in the impact investment ecosystem.
